| Summary |
The purpose of this thesis is to measure meso-scale volumetric changes in a coastal dune system in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore of North Carolina and to establish groundwork and methodology for further research into volumetric modeling of coastal dune morphodynamics. Previous research in coastal dunes has concentrated on natural dunes and has mostly overlooked artificially constructed dunes such as those in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Coastal dune erosion is a three-dimensional geomorphic process, often removing large amounts of sediment from the beach and dune system. Most previous investigations calculate this three-dimensional process utilizing two-dimensional techniques such as shore normal beach profiles. The present study calculates annual volumetric change in a coastal dune system utilizing dense topographic surveys and analysis of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). DEMs derived from monthly topographic surveys of the research site, are overlayed in a Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify the quantity and location of sediment redistribution in the 150 m X 40 m site. Between May 1997 and May 1998, 3,269 m³ of net erosion and 209 m³ of net deposition occurred. Patterns of erosion and deposition follow seasonal trends in wind velocity and direction. Deposition was concentrated in the landward ends of blowouts. Two winter storms produced major erosion along the dune toe. Blowouts facilitated significant rebound and recovery by serving as corridors of sediment transport. |
| General note | Submitted to the faculty of the Department of Geography. |
| General note | Advisor: Paul Gares |
| General note | Advisor: Jeffrey Colby |
| Dissertation note | M.A. East Carolina University 1998 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-114). |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
